News

Famous Former Hacker Kevin Mitnick Has Died Aged 59

Mitnick became a White Hat hacker after a long career of infiltrating corporate and government systems.

Published

2 years ago

July 20, 2023

famous former hacker kevin mitnick has died aged 59

On July 16th, one of the world’s most wanted computer hackers, Kevin Mitnick, passed away at 59 years old. According to his obituary, Mitnick was battling pancreatic cancer for over a year while undergoing treatment at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

“Much of his life reads like a fiction story,” the obituary reads, and it’s probably the perfect way to describe this enigmatic man’s journey. Mitnick first infiltrated a computer system way back in 1979, and was sentenced to a year in prison in 1988 for copying a company’s software.

In the 90s, Mitnick hacked into Pacific Bell’s voicemail computers while under supervised release and continued to hack into phone networks, corporate and government websites. The hacker eventually became a fugitive and wasn’t caught until 1995, when he was charged with computer fraud. Authorities believed that Mitnick had access to corporate trade secrets worth millions of dollars, though his fans claim he never stole from the general public.

Also Read: The Largest Data Breaches In The Middle East

After spending five years in prison, Kevin Mitnick became a White Hat hacker and cybersecurity consultant for KnowBe4. He is survived by his wife, Kimberley, who is expecting his child.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

15 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.